JP7416594B2 - Store management device, store management system, and store management method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a store management device that performs payment at a store selling products.

BACKGROUND ART At product sales stores, systems are being considered in which the in-store behavior of customers is tracked using cameras, sensors, etc., and the customers operate payment terminals themselves to make payments for purchasing products.

A system in which customers can make payments themselves can be expected to save labor at the store and prevent items from being left out of carts.

However, the above-mentioned labor-saving system does not assume a case where multiple people, such as family members or friends, visit the store. For this reason, customers visiting the store either need to use one shopping cart to make payments, or each customer must make their own payments, which can lead to congestion and the need to prepare a large number of payment terminals.

WO2017/150590

An object of the present invention is to provide a store management device, a store management system, and a store management method that allow customers visiting the store to make payments efficiently.

A store management device according to an embodiment includes an interface and a processor. The interface acquires information about the customer who has entered the store, and the processor records the unique customer ID given to the customer in association with the group ID based on the information acquired through the interface. If control data is set in which group IDs are recorded in association with information on products that customers are trying to purchase, and multiple customer IDs of multiple customers who wish to be grouped are notified through the interface, Information on the products corresponding to each of the plurality of group IDs corresponding to the plurality of notified customer IDs is obtained from the control data, and corresponds to a new group ID newly generated by combining the obtained information on the plurality of products. In the control data, the group ID associated with the customer IDs of the multiple customers who wish to be grouped is set as the new group ID, thereby grouping the multiple customers. By making a payment for the product information corresponding to the new group ID, the products purchased by a plurality of grouped customers can be paid for each group.

1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a schematic configuration of a store management device according to an embodiment. 1 is a diagram showing an example of a layout in a store in which a store management device according to an embodiment has been introduced; FIG. It is a figure showing an example of a visitor list managed by a store management device concerning an embodiment. It is a diagram showing an example of a group list managed by the store management device according to the embodiment. It is a flow chart for explaining store entry processing of a store management device concerning an embodiment. It is a flow chart for explaining grouping processing of a store management device concerning an embodiment. It is a figure showing an example of a visitor list managed by a store management device concerning an embodiment. It is a diagram showing an example of a group list managed by the store management device according to the embodiment. It is a flowchart for explaining in-store processing of the store management device according to the embodiment. It is a flow chart for explaining payment processing of a store management device concerning an embodiment. It is a flow chart for explaining store exit processing of a store management device concerning an embodiment.

Hereinafter, a store management device according to an embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the system configuration of a store in which a store management device has been introduced. The store management device 100, grouping terminal device 200, gate device 300, network cameras Ca-1 to Ca-n, and sensors Sn-1 to Sn-m communicate with each other via a communication network NW such as a wired LAN or wireless LAN. It is connected.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a layout in a store where a store management device has been introduced. As shown in this example, store management device 100 is installed in payment area PA. Furthermore, the grouping terminal device 200 is installed in the grouping terminal area GR, which is close to the store entry area EN, which is the entrance to the store. The gate device 300 is installed in the store exit area EX near the store exit. In addition, there is a merchandise area CO in the store where display shelves for displaying merchandise are arranged. Note that although the example shown in FIG. 2 is a case where the store entry area EN and the store exit area EX are provided separately, it is also possible to set the store entry area EN and the store exit area EX at the same entrance/exit of the store. It is.

(Store management device 100)
The store management device 100 includes a customer tracking function for tracking in-store behavior of customers and various processing functions. The store management device 100 includes a control section 101, a storage section 102, a display 103, a touch panel 104, a card reader 105, a camera 106, a printer 107, and a communication interface (I/F) 108.

The storage unit 102 stores control programs and control data for the control unit 101, and is composed of an HDD, flash memory, or the like. Note that examples of control data include the customer list shown in FIG. 3 and the group list shown in FIG. 4. The store visitor list is a data table for managing payment groups and payment personnel for each customer. The group list is a data table for managing the products in the shopping cart and the completed/unpaid status for each group. These lists are updated by the control unit 101.

The display 103 displays various information to operators such as customers and store personnel.
The touch panel 104 has a sensor provided on the display surface of the display 103, and receives input from an operator through the sensor.

The card reader 105 reads and writes information from, for example, a non-contact IC card or a magnetic card. For example, it is possible to communicate with credit cards, debit cards, various electronic money cards, and contactless IC chips built into smartphones used by customers visiting the store.

The camera 106 images an operator standing in front of the store management device 100, for example.
The printer 107 prints out receipts and the like.

The communication interface 108 is a communication interface such as a LAN, and is capable of communicating with various devices shown in FIG. 1 and devices outside the store via the network NW.

The control unit 101 is equipped with a processor and centrally controls each unit of the store management device 100 according to a control program and control data stored in the storage unit 102. The functions realized by this control include at least the above-mentioned visitor tracking function and various other processing functions (store entry processing, grouping processing, in-store processing, payment processing, exit processing).

The store visitor tracking function distinguishes customers and tracks their in-store behavior individually based on the images captured by network cameras Ca-1 to Ca-n. Based on information from the store, it is detected that a customer has taken a product from the display shelf.

As a method of distinguishing between customers, there is a method of recognizing the faces of customers, and this method may be adopted, but the present invention is not limited to this method. The control unit 101 issues an individual ID to each customer based on the images captured by the network cameras Ca-1 to Ca-n, and tracks the movement of the customer within the store based on the images. That is, the control unit 101 manages the locations of customers visiting the store using IDs.

Note that the network cameras Ca-1 to Ca-n are installed with consideration given to the shooting composition of each camera so that the in-store behavior of customers can be tracked. For example, the cameras may be installed with consideration to the shooting composition so that images overlap, or the cameras may be installed so that images can be taken so as to cover the entire store without creating blind spots within the store. In addition, if it is possible to track the in-store behavior of customers visiting the store, it may be possible to install the camera so that it can only take pictures in the store entry area EN, product area CO, and exit area EX.

Sensors Sn-1 to Sn-m are provided on display shelves for displaying products, and detect whether products are taken out or returned from the display shelves. Various types of sensors, such as infrared sensors, weight sensors, and magnetic sensors, can be used to identify and detect taking out of various products displayed on display shelves. Alternatively, the sensors Sn-1 to Sn-m may read identification tags or barcodes provided on the products to identify when they are taken out or returned. Regarding the installation of the sensors Sn-1 to Sn-m, various installation methods can be considered, and existing techniques can be applied as appropriate.

Regardless of the installation method, the arrangement information of the network cameras Ca-1 to Ca-n and the sensors Sn-1 to Sn-m is stored in the storage unit 102, and the control unit 101 Track customers' in-store behavior, including when they take out products.

Note that in order to be able to perform payment processing for multiple customers in parallel, multiple sets of displays 103, touch panels 104, card readers 105, cameras 106, and printers 107 are provided, and the control unit 101 controls each set. You may also do so.

(Grouping terminal device 200)
The grouping terminal device 200 is a man-machine interface that receives grouping requests from customers visiting the store. The grouping terminal device 200 includes a control section 201, a storage section 202, a display 203, a touch panel 204, a camera 205, and a communication interface (I/F) 206.

The storage unit 202 stores control programs and control data for the control unit 201, and is composed of an HDD, flash memory, or the like.
The display 203 displays various information to operators such as customers and store personnel.

The touch panel 204 has a sensor provided on the display surface of the display 203, and receives input from an operator through the sensor.

The camera 205 takes an image of the operator standing in front of the grouping terminal device 200, and is equipped with a lens having an angle of view that allows it to take images of, for example, a plurality of people standing in front of the grouping terminal device 200.
The communication interface 206 is a communication interface such as a LAN, and mainly communicates with the store management device 100 via the network NW.

The control unit 201 is equipped with a processor and centrally controls each unit of the grouping terminal device 200 according to a control program and control data stored in the storage unit 202 . As a function realized by this control, at least a grouping reception function is provided.

This grouping reception function provides video data captured by the camera 205 to the store management device 100, displays information provided from the store management device 100 on the display 203, and collects multiple customers from customers visiting the store. A request for grouping is accepted, and the received information is provided to the store management device 100. That is, the grouping reception function receives a request for grouping a plurality of customers who have visited the store as a group.

(Gate device 300)
The gate device 300 is a gate that restricts customers from leaving the store. The gate device 300 includes a control section 301, a storage section 302, a camera 303, a sensor 304, a gate 305, an alarm 306, and a communication interface (I/F) 307.

The storage unit 302 stores control programs and control data for the control unit 301, and is configured with an HDD, flash memory, or the like.
A camera 303 images a customer who is leaving the store through a gate 305.
The sensor 304 detects that a customer enters the gate 305.

The gate 305 is a passageway that guides customers from inside the store to outside the store after making a payment, and the passageway is formed of, for example, two paired walls. Note that although the example shown in FIG. 2 does not show a mechanism for physically preventing customers from leaving the store, such a mechanism may be provided so that the control unit 301 controls traffic.

The alarm 306 is installed at the upper end of the gate 305, etc., and emits sound and light to psychologically prevent customers from leaving the store.

The communication interface 307 is a communication interface such as a LAN, and mainly communicates with the store management device 100 via the network NW.

The control unit 301 is equipped with a processor and centrally controls each unit of the gate device 300 according to a control program and control data stored in the storage unit 302. Specifically, the alarm device 306 is driven and controlled in response to instructions from the store management device 100 via the network NW, thereby restricting customers from leaving the store.

(Explanation of operation)
Next, the operation of the system having the above configuration will be explained.
The system executes processing according to the customer's behavior while tracking the customer's behavior in the store using the customer tracking function described above. In other words, the tracking process by the visitor tracking function is executed, and the store entry process, grouping process, in-store process, payment process, and store exit process can each be executed in parallel. Each process will be explained in turn below.
(Entry processing)
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the store entry process. In the store entry process, a customer ID is given to the customer entering the store, and a group ID and shopping cart are set. The store entry process is performed by the store management device 100, and is executed by the control unit 101 according to the control program and control data stored in the storage unit 102. It is also executed repeatedly while the system is running.

In ACT5a, the control unit 101 determines whether the customer has entered the store from the store entrance based on the detection result of the sensor Sn installed near the store entry area EN and the video data captured by the camera Ca. Here, if it is determined that a customer has entered the store, it is assumed that a visiting customer has been detected, and the process moves to ACT5b, and if no customer's entrance is detected, the customer's entrance is continuously monitored in ACT5a.

In ACT5b, the control unit 101 generates a new ID for the customer detected in ACT5a, and proceeds to ACT5c. Note that the newly created ID is generated so as not to overlap with the currently active ID. Furthermore, in the case of a system in which a customer presents a member ID when entering the store, the member ID may be used.

In ACT5c, the control unit 101 adds a new row to the data table of the customer list stored in the storage unit 102, and moves to ACT5d.
In ACT5d, the control unit 101 sets the customer ID generated in ACT5b in the "Customer ID" column of the new row added in ACT5c, and moves to ACT5e.

In ACT5e, the control unit 101 sets the customer ID generated in ACT5b in the "Group ID" column of the new row added in ACT5c, and moves to ACT5f. That is, immediately after entering the store, the same value is set in the "Customer ID" column and the "Group ID" column.

In ACT5f, the control unit 101 sets "1" in the "settlement person flag" column of the new row added in ACT5c, indicating that the person is in charge of settlement, and proceeds to ACT5g. That is, immediately after entering the store, since the customer is not grouped with other customers, the customer with the customer ID is set as the person in charge of payment.

In the example of the customer list shown in Figure 3, multiple customers are not grouped, so in all rows, the "Customer ID" column and the "Group ID" column are the same. A value is set, and "1" is set for each customer ID as the person in charge of payment.

In ACT5g, the control unit 101 adds a new row to the group list data table stored in the storage unit 102, and proceeds to ACT5h.
In ACT5h, the control unit 101 sets the same ID (customer ID) set in the "Group ID" column of the customer list in ACT5e in the "Group ID" column of the new row added in ACT5g, Move to ACT5i.

In ACT5i, the control unit 101 clears the "Shopping Cart" column of the new rows added in ACT5g to make it empty, and proceeds to ACT5j.
In ACT5j, the control unit 101 sets "0" in the "payment completion flag" column of the new row added in ACT5g to indicate that the payment is not completed, and proceeds to ACT5k. Note that the payment completion flag may be set to "0" when the shopping cart is not empty.

The example of the group list shown in FIG. 4 shows a state in which all customers visiting the store are treated as individual customers, and illustrates a case where they are not grouped. Further, for example, a customer ID "6" who has just visited the store belongs to the group ID "6" alone, the shopping cart is set to be empty, and the payment is set to "0" indicating that the payment is not yet completed.

In ACT5k, the control unit 101 notifies the visitor tracking function of the customer ID generated in ACT5b, and proceeds to ACT5a. As a result, the customer tracking function uses the customer ID as information for identifying the customer, and can identify the customer in common with other processes. After moving to ACT5a, it is monitored whether a new customer appears in the store entry area EN. Thereafter, the same process is repeated for new customers.

(Group processing)
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the grouping process. In the grouping process, in order to consolidate the payments of multiple customers into one, the multiple customers are grouped and settings are made so that the group can share the "shopping cart" in the group list. The grouping process is performed by the store management device 100 in cooperation with the grouping terminal device 200, and is executed by the control unit 101 according to the control program and control data stored in the storage unit 102. It is also executed repeatedly while the system is running.

In ACT6a, the control unit 101 determines whether there is a customer in front of the grouping terminal device 200 based on the notification from the grouping terminal device 200. Specifically, the control unit 201 of the grouping terminal device 200 determines whether a customer is in front of the grouping terminal device 200 based on the video data captured by the camera 205 and the operation on the touch panel 204. Note that, in ACT6a, the control unit 201 may recognize the face from the video data of the camera 205 and determine the presence of the customer.

If it is determined that the customer is in front of the grouping terminal device 200, the control unit 201 notifies the store management device 100 of this fact through the communication interface 206. Upon receiving this notification, the control unit 101 moves to ACT6b, while if it does not receive the notification (does not detect it), it moves to ACT6a again and waits for a notification from the grouping terminal device 200.

In ACT6b, the control unit 101 acquires the customer ID of the customer in front of the grouping terminal device 200 based on the tracking result of the customer tracking function, and moves to ACT6c. In addition, when a plurality of customers exist in the grouped terminal area GR, the customer ID of each customer in the grouped terminal area GR is acquired from the tracking result of the customer tracking function.

In addition, the control unit 201 recognizes the face from the video data in ACT6a to determine the presence of the customer, and the above-mentioned customer tracking function recognizes the face of the customer and tracks the customer. In this case, the control unit 201 notifies the face recognition result and the above video data to the control unit 101 via the network NW, and the control unit 101 groups the terminals based on the information notified from the customer tracking function. The customer ID of the customer in front of the device 200 may be specified.

In ACT6c, the control unit 101 notifies the grouping terminal device 200 (control unit 201) of the customer ID acquired in ACT6b as the grouping candidate ID (hereinafter referred to as candidate ID) via the network NW, Move to ACT6d. In response to this notification, the control unit 101 causes the control unit 201 to execute a process of having the customers select customers to be grouped.

After receiving this notification, the control unit 201 records the notified candidate ID in the storage unit 202 and then displays a list of this candidate ID on the display 203. This display also displays a message prompting the customer in front of the terminal to select the customer who is planning to make the same payment (same transaction).

Then, the control unit 201 receives the designation of customers who wish to be grouped through the touch panel 204, and notifies the store management device 100 (control unit 101) of the customer ID of the specified customer via the network NW.

In addition, in the above display on the grouping terminal device 200, the face of the customer photographed by the camera 205 and the candidate ID are displayed in correspondence so that it is clear which customer the candidate ID corresponds to. You may also do so. In this case, the control unit 201 performs face recognition, and the customer tracking function of the control unit 101 performs face recognition, and the results of both face recognitions are compared to associate those that match. Furthermore, if such an association can be made, it is not necessarily necessary to display the candidate ID, and it is only necessary to select the face of the customer who wants to be grouped through the touch panel 204 and notify the control unit 101 of the corresponding customer ID. .

Even if facial recognition is not performed, the control unit 101 or 201 can associate the candidate ID with the customer captured by the camera 205 based on the location information of the customer detected by the customer tracking function. It is possible to accurately accept the wishes of customers visiting the store.

In ACT6d, the control unit 101 determines whether the grouping terminal device 200 has completed the selection of the grouping targets. If the process is completed, the process moves to ACT6e, whereas if it is not completed, the process waits for completion in ACT6d. Specifically, when the control unit 101 receives notification of the customer ID from the control unit 201, it determines that selection of grouping targets is complete, and treats the notified customer ID as one group.

In ACT6e, the control unit 101 instructs the grouping terminal device 200 (control unit 201) to select a person in charge of payment, and proceeds to ACT6f. Then, upon receiving this instruction, the control unit 201 displays a list of customer IDs of the customers selected in ACT6c on the display 203, and also selects the customer who will be in charge of payment (hereinafter referred to as the person in charge of payment). Display a message prompting you to make a selection.

Then, the control unit 201 receives the selection of the person in charge of payment through the touch panel 204, and notifies the store management device 100 (control unit 101) of the customer ID of the selected customer through the network NW.

In ACT6f, the control unit 101 determines whether the selection of the payment person in the grouping terminal device 200 has been completed. If the process is completed, the process moves to ACT6g, whereas if it is not completed, the process waits for completion in ACT6f. Specifically, when the control unit 101 receives notification of the customer ID from the control unit 201, it determines that the selection of the person in charge of payment has been completed, and treats the notified customer ID as the person in charge of payment.

In ACT6g, the control unit 101 generates a new ID for grouping the customer IDs notified in ACT6d, and moves to ACT6h. Note that the newly created group ID here is referred to as a new GID. It is generated so as not to overlap with the currently active GID.

In ACT6h, the control unit 101 adds a new row to the group list data table stored in the storage unit 102, and moves to ACT6i.
In ACT6i, the control unit 101 sets the new GID generated in ACT6g in the "Group ID" column of the new row added in ACT6h, and proceeds to ACT6j.

In ACT6j, the control unit 101 clears and empties the "Shopping Cart" column among the new rows added in ACT6h, and proceeds to ACT6k.
In ACT6k, the control unit 101 sets "0" in the "payment completion flag" column of the new row added in ACT6h, indicating that the payment is not completed, and executes the processing in ACT6l to 6q. . Note that the payment completion flag may be set to "0" when the shopping cart is not empty.

The processes in ACT6l to 6q are executed for each customer ID notified in ACT6d. That is, for example, when three customer IDs are notified, the process is executed three times.
In ACT6l, the control unit 101 selects one of the notified customer IDs, searches the store visitor list for that customer ID, obtains the group ID associated with this customer ID, and moves to ACT6m. . Note that the group ID acquired here is referred to as the old GID.

In ACT6m, the control unit 101 searches the group list for the old GID acquired in ACT6l, and acquires the contents (product name and information on the number of items) held in the "shopping cart" column associated with this old GID. Then, move to ACT6n.

In ACT6n, the control unit 101 copies (adds) the contents of the "shopping cart" acquired in ACT6m to the "shopping cart" column associated with the new GID added to the group list in ACT6h, and moves to ACT6o. .

In ACT6o, the control unit 101 deletes the line in which the old GID is set from the group list, and proceeds to ACT6p.

In ACT6p, the control unit 101 searches the store visitor list for the customer ID selected in ACT6l, sets a new GID in the "group ID" column associated with this customer ID, and moves to ACT6q.

In ACT6q, the control unit 101 searches the customer list for the customer ID selected in ACT6l, reflects the information of the payment person notified in ACT6f, and moves to ACT6a. Specifically, if the customer ID selected in ACT6l matches the customer ID of the payment representative notified in ACT6f, the value in the column of "payment representative flag" is maintained at "1". On the other hand, if you are not a payment representative, that is, if the customer ID selected in ACT6l does not match the customer ID of the payment representative notified in ACT6f, set the value in the "Payment representative flag" column to "0". Set to .

As an example, in ACT6d, the control unit 101 receives notification of customer IDs “3”, “4”, and “6” from the control unit 201, and in ACT6f, the control unit 101 receives notification from the control unit 201 of the customer IDs “3”, “4”, and “6”, and Consider the case where a notification of ID "4" is received. Assume that in the situation before receiving these notifications, the customer list was as shown in FIG. 3, and the group list was as shown in FIG. 4.

As a result of the above notification, the visitor list changes as shown in FIG. 7. That is, in ACT6p, the control unit 101 sets the new GID "G1" in the "group ID" column of customer IDs "3", "4", and "6", and in ACT6q, the control unit 101 sets the customer ID "G1" in the "group ID" column of customer IDs "3", "4", and "6". The values in the column of "settlement staff flag" for "3" and "6" are set to "0", and "1" is maintained for customer ID "4".

On the other hand, the group list changes as shown in FIG. That is, in ACT6h, the control unit 101 adds a new row to the group list data table, and in ACT6i, sets the new GID "G1" in the "Group ID" column of the new row.

Then, in ACT6m, the control unit 101 acquires the contents of the "shopping cart" corresponding to the group ID (old GID) in which the notified customer IDs "3", "4", and "6" are set. Subsequently, in ACT6n, the control unit 101 copies (adds) the contents of the "shopping cart" acquired in ACT6m to the "shopping cart" column corresponding to the new GID "G1". Then, the control unit 101 deletes the rows of the group list corresponding to the group IDs (old GIDs) to which customer IDs "3", "4", and "6" are set in ACT6o.

(in-store processing)
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing in-store processing. In-store processing updates the contents of the "shopping cart" in the group list in accordance with the actions of customers, such as taking out and returning products from display shelves. In-store processing is performed by the store management device 100, and is executed by the control unit 101 according to the control program and control data stored in the storage unit 102. It is also executed repeatedly while the system is booted.

In ACT9a, the control unit 101 obtains the tracking result of the visitor tracking function and determines whether or not it has detected that the product has been taken out from the display shelf. Here, if it is detected that the product has been taken out from the display shelf, the process moves to ACT9b, whereas if it is not detected that the product has been taken out, the process moves to ACT9e.

In ACT9b, the control unit 101 acquires the customer ID of the customer who took out the product from the display shelf, the identification information of the product taken out, and the number of products taken out from the customer tracking function, and proceeds to ACT9c.
In ACT9c, the control unit 101 refers to the customer list, obtains the group ID associated with the customer ID obtained in ACT9b, and proceeds to ACT9d.

In ACT9d, the control unit 101 adds the product information obtained in ACT9b (identification information of the product taken out and the number of products taken out) in the "Shopping Cart" column associated with the group ID obtained in ACT9c in the group list. ) and move on to ACT9a.

In ACT9e, the control unit 101 obtains the tracking result of the visitor tracking function and determines whether or not it has been detected that the product has been returned to the display shelf. Here, if it is detected that the product has been returned to the display shelf, the process moves to ACT9f, whereas if it is not detected that the product has been returned to the display shelf, the process moves to ACT9a.

In ACT9f, the control unit 101 obtains the customer ID of the customer who returned the product to the display shelf, the identification information of the returned product, and the number of returned products from the customer tracking function, and proceeds to ACT9g.
In ACT9g, the control unit 101 refers to the customer list, obtains the group ID associated with the customer ID obtained in ACT9f, and proceeds to ACT9h.

In ACT9h, the control unit 101 extracts the product information obtained in ACT9f (identification information of returned products and number of returned products) from the "Shopping Cart" column associated with the group ID obtained in ACT9g in the group list. ) and move to ACT9a.

(Payment processing)
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing payment processing. The payment process is for receiving payment for the products in the "shopping cart" of the group list from the payment person. The payment process is performed by the store management device 100, and is executed by the control unit 101 according to the control program and control data stored in the storage unit 102. It is also executed repeatedly while the system is booted.

In ACT 10a, the control unit 101 determines that a customer is in front of the store management device 100 based on the video data captured by the camera 106 and the operation on the touch panel 104. Note that the control unit 101 may determine the presence of a customer in front of the store management device 100 based on the location of the customer detected by the customer tracking function.

If it is determined that the customer is present in front of the store management device 100, the control unit 101 moves to ACT10b, whereas if the customer is not present (not detected), the control unit 101 moves to ACT10a again to check the customer's presence. Watch for arrival.
In ACT10b, the control unit 101 acquires the customer ID of the customer in front of the store management device 100 based on the tracking result of the customer tracking function, and proceeds to ACT10c.

In ACT10c, the control unit 101 refers to the customer list, obtains the group ID associated with the customer ID obtained in ACT10b, and proceeds to ACT10d.

In ACT10d, the control unit 101 obtains the value set in the "payment completion flag" column associated with the group ID obtained in ACT10c in the group list, and proceeds to ACT10e.

In ACT10e, the control unit 101 determines whether the value set in the "payment completion flag" column acquired in ACT10 is "0", that is, whether the payment has not been completed. Here, if "0" is set, that is, the payment has not been completed, the process moves to ACT10g, while if "1" is set, that is, the payment has been completed, the process moves to ACT10f.

In ACT10f, the control unit 101 displays a message on the display 103 informing that the payment has been completed, such as "Payment has been completed. Thank you for using the service.", and proceeds to ACT10a.

In ACT 10g, the control unit 101 selects the contents set in the "Shopping Cart" column associated with the group ID obtained in ACT 10c in the group list, that is, the product name and quantity that the customers in the group are trying to purchase. and a message such as "Please check the products to be purchased" are displayed on the display 103, and the process moves to ACT10h. This allows the customer visiting the store to check the products for which payment is to be made.

In ACT10h, the control unit 101 monitors the operation on the touch panel 104 and determines whether an operation indicating an intention to purchase, that is, a button operation indicating an intention to perform payment processing has been performed. Here, if a button operation for payment execution is detected, the process moves to ACT10i, whereas if no operation is detected, the process waits for a button operation in ACT10h.

In ACT10i, the control unit 101 displays a message on the display 103 prompting the customer to complete payment procedures, accepts the payment through the card reader 105, and proceeds to ACT10j. Payment through the card reader 105 can be realized using a well-known technique using a credit card, debit card, point card, electronic money, or the like.

In ACT10j, the control unit 101 determines whether the payment through the card reader 105 has been successfully completed. Here, if it is determined that the payment has been completed normally, the process moves to ACT10k, whereas if it is determined that it has not been completed, the process moves to ACT10j, and the completion of the payment is continuously monitored, including redoing.

In ACT10k, the control unit 101 sets "1" indicating payment completed in the "payment completion flag" column associated with the group ID obtained in ACT10c in the group list, and also sets the contents of the "shopping cart". Clear it, empty it, and move on to ACT10l.

In ACT10l, the control unit 101 displays a message on the display 103 informing that the payment has been completed, such as "Thank you for using the service," and also controls the printer 107 to print a receipt for the purchased item, and moves to ACT10a. .

(Store closing process)
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the store exit process. The store exit process is to notify the payment staff of the group of customers who are leaving the store, that is, the group of customers who are leaving the store and whose payment has not yet been completed, that the payment has been forgotten. The store exit process is performed by the store management device 100 in cooperation with the gate device 300, and is executed by the control section 101 according to the control program and control data stored in the storage section 102. It is also executed repeatedly while the system is running.

In ACT11a, the control unit 101 determines whether there are any customers who are about to leave the store based on the notification from the gate device 300. Specifically, the control unit 301 of the gate device 300 determines that a customer has entered (or is about to enter) between the gates 305 based on video data captured by the camera 303 and detection results by the sensor 304. Determine.

If it is determined that there is a customer who is about to leave the store, the control unit 301 notifies the store management device 100 of this fact through the communication interface 307. Upon receiving this notification, the control unit 101 shifts to ACT 11b. On the other hand, if the notification is not received (not detected), the control unit 101 shifts to ACT 11a again to monitor the customer who is about to leave the store (from the gate device 300). wait for notification).

In ACT11b, the control unit 101 acquires the customer ID of the customer who is about to leave the store (for example, the customer between the gates 305) based on the tracking result of the customer tracking function, and moves to ACT11c.

In ACT11c, the control unit 101 refers to the customer list, obtains the group ID and payer flag associated with the customer ID obtained in ACT11b, and proceeds to ACT11d.
In ACT11d, the control unit 101 obtains the contents of the "shopping cart" associated with the group ID obtained in ACT11c and the value set in the "payment completion flag" column in the group list, and proceeds to ACT11e.

In ACT11e, the control unit 101 determines whether the value set in the "payment completion flag" column acquired in ACT11d is "0", that is, whether the payment has not been completed. Here, if "0" is set, that is, if the payment has not been completed, the process moves to ACT11f.
On the other hand, if "1" is set, that is, if the payment has been completed, the process moves to ACT11a. In other words, the system does not prevent this customer from passing through the gate, and prepares for the next customer to approach the gate.

In ACT11f, the control unit 101 determines whether the contents of the "shopping cart" acquired in ACT11d are empty. Here, if it is not empty, the process moves to ACT11g.
On the other hand, if it is empty, the process moves to ACT11a. In other words, since the customer has not completed the payment but has not taken out the product, the store does not prevent this customer from passing through the gate and prepares for the next customer to approach the gate.

In ACT11g, the control unit 101 determines whether the value of the payment person flag acquired in ACT11c is "1", that is, whether the person is the payment person. Here, if "1" is set, that is, if the person is the person in charge of payment, the process moves to ACT11h.
On the other hand, if "0" is set, that is, if the person is not the person in charge of payment, the process moves to ACT11a. In other words, it does not prevent this customer from passing through the gate, and prepares for the next customer to approach the gate.

In ACT11h, the control unit 101 instructs the gate device 300 (control unit 301) to operate the alarm 306, and notifies the security guard or store clerk in charge, and proceeds to ACT11a. The operation of the alarm 306 prompts the customer who is about to pass through the gate to notice that he or she has forgotten to make a payment. In addition, the security guard or store clerk in charge becomes aware of the presence of a customer who has forgotten to pay by the notification.

In addition, in ACT11h, in addition to the alarm 306, the control unit 101 may give an instruction to the gate device 300 via the network NW to physically block the passage of customers by closing the gate or the like.

Further, in ACT11h, the control unit 101 may acquire video data captured by the camera 303 provided in the gate device 300 via the network NW, and may record it in the storage unit 102.

In addition, when the visitor tracking function performs face recognition of the visitor when entering the store, the image of the face recognized at the time of entering the store is temporarily recorded in the storage unit 102, and is deleted when the customer leaves the store. If the process moves to , the customer may be recorded in the storage unit 102 as a person who left the store without making a payment.

(summary)
As described above, the store management device 100 configured as described above acquires the video data captured by the network cameras Ca-1 to Ca-n and the detection results of the sensors Sn-1 to Sn-m through the communication interface 108. Based on this information, we monitor and track customer identification and in-store behavior. Then, a plurality of customers visiting the store are grouped together, and the products that these multiple customers pick up from the display shelves are collected and payments are made for each group.

Therefore, according to the store management device 100 having the above configuration, multiple customers such as family members and friends who visit the store can store items at once without using one shopping cart. Payments can be made by people visiting the store. This has the advantage of saving customers the trouble of making their own payments, and it also has the advantage of reducing crowding at payment terminals and reducing the number of payment terminals installed for the store.

Furthermore, in the store management device 100 configured as described above, at least one person among the grouped customers is set as the person in charge of payment, and the store exit behavior of the person in charge of payment is determined based on information obtained through the communication interface 108. , If the person in charge of payment leaves the store and the payment for the group to which the person in charge of payment belongs has not been completed, the unsettled status is notified.

Therefore, according to the store management device 100 having the above configuration, it is possible to suppress cart omissions by notifying unsettled items, and when a group of multiple people visit the store, even before the payment is completed, everyone other than the person in charge of payment can freely You can go outside the store. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the store from becoming crowded with customers waiting for the group payment to be completed.

Further, in the store management device 100 having the above configuration, when the customer leaves the store without making a payment, video data of the person in charge of payment is recorded, so it can be expected to have an effect of suppressing cart omissions.

Although several embodiments of the invention have been described, these embodiments are presented by way of example and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These novel embodiments can be implemented in various other forms, and various omissions, substitutions, and changes can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. These embodiments and their modifications are included within the scope and gist of the invention, as well as within the scope of the invention described in the claims and its equivalents.

Furthermore, for example, in the above embodiment, when entering a store, information that can identify an individual is not required to be presented; It is also possible to apply Information to be registered in advance includes a membership card created in advance (magnetic data, barcode, contactless IC card, etc.), bio-specific information such as a face photo, fingerprint, veins, etc., and terminal entry of membership number and PIN number. is possible. This information is acquired by a reception device (equipped with a reader terminal and a camera) installed near the entrance, and input to the control unit 101 via the network NW and communication interface 108. In the store management device 100, personal authentication is performed based on the input information, and a visitor tracking function tracks the in-store behavior of the visitor.
Note that the claims of the present application as originally filed are appended below.
[C1]
An interface for acquiring information about customers who have entered the store;
Identify the customer based on the information obtained through the interface,
Group the identified customers,
Payment can be made for products purchased by grouped customers, group by group.
a processor;
A store management device comprising:
[C2]
The processor is
Set at least one person among the grouped customers as the person in charge of payment,
Determines whether the payment staff member leaves the store based on information obtained through the interface, and notifies you of unsettled status if the payment staff member leaves the store and the payment for the group to which the payment staff member belongs has not been completed. do,
The store management device according to claim 1.
[C3]
Furthermore, it is equipped with a storage device for storing video data,
The processor is
Set at least one person among the grouped customers as the person in charge of payment,
The system determines whether a payment clerk leaves the store based on the information obtained through the interface, and if the payment clerk leaves the store and the payment for the group to which the payment clerk belongs has not been completed, the information obtained through the interface is determined. Record the video data of the payment clerk in the storage device,
The store management device according to claim 1.
[C4]
an information acquisition device for acquiring information on customers who have entered the store;
Based on the acquired information, identify the customer,
Group the identified customers,
Payment for products purchased by grouped customers is made for each group.
A store management device,
A store management system equipped with
[C5]
Obtain information about customers who enter the store through the interface,
Based on the acquired information, identify the customer,
Group the identified customers,
Payment for products purchased by grouped customers is made for each group.
A store management method comprising:

100... Store management device 101... Control unit 102... Storage unit 103... Display 104... Touch panel 105... Card reader 106... Camera 107... Printer 108... Communication interface 200... Grouping terminal device 201... Control unit 202... Storage unit 203... Display 204...Touch panel 205...Camera 206...Communication interface 300...Gate device 301...Control unit 302...Storage unit 303...Camera 304...Sensor 305...Gate 306...Alarm device 307...Communication interface NW...Communication network Ca-1 to Ca-n …Network cameras Sn-1 to Sn-m…Sensor EN…Enter area GR…Group terminal area CO…Product area PA…Payment area EX…Exit area

Claims (5)

An interface for acquiring information about customers who have entered the store;
Based on the information obtained through the interface, the unique customer ID given to the customer and the group ID are associated and recorded, and the group ID and information about the product that the customer is trying to purchase are recorded. Set the control data to be recorded in association,
When a plurality of customer IDs of a plurality of store visitors who wish to be grouped are notified through the interface, information on the products corresponding to each of the plurality of group IDs corresponding to the plurality of notified customer IDs is sent to the store. obtained from control data,
Recording the obtained information on the plurality of products in the control data in association with the newly generated new group ID;
In the control data, grouping the plurality of store visitors by setting the group ID associated with the plurality of customer IDs of the plurality of store visitors who desire the grouping as the new group ID,
a processor that settles for each group of the products purchased by the grouped plurality of store visitors by making a payment for the product information corresponding to the new group ID;
A store management device equipped with The processor includes :
Setting at least one person among the grouped customers as a payment person,
Determining store exit behavior of the payment person based on information obtained through the interface;
When the payment person leaves the store and the payment for the group to which the payment person belongs has not been completed, notification of unsettled payment is made;
The store management device according to claim 1. Furthermore, it is equipped with a storage device for storing video data,
The processor includes :
Setting at least one person among the grouped customers as a payment person,
Determining store exit behavior of the payment person based on information obtained through the interface;
recording video data of the payment person obtained through the interface in the storage device when the payment person leaves the store and the payment for the group to which the payment person belongs is not completed;
The store management device according to claim 1. an information acquisition device for acquiring information on customers who have entered the store;
Based on the acquired information, the unique customer ID given to the customer visiting the store and the group ID are associated and recorded, and the group ID and information on the product that the customer is trying to purchase are associated and recorded. Set the control data to be recorded,
obtaining information on the product corresponding to each of the plurality of group IDs corresponding to the plurality of notified customer IDs from the control data;
Recording the obtained information on the plurality of products in the control data in association with the newly generated new group ID;
In the control data, grouping a plurality of customers by setting the group ID associated with the notified plurality of customer IDs as the new group ID,
paying for the products purchased by the grouped plurality of store visitors for each group by making a payment for the product information corresponding to the new group ID;
A store management device,
A store management system equipped with A store management method executed by a store management device, the method comprising:
Based on the information obtained through the interface, the unique customer ID given to the store visitor and the group ID are associated and recorded, and the group ID corresponds to information on the product that the store visitor is trying to purchase. Set the control data to be recorded with
When a plurality of customer IDs of a plurality of store visitors who wish to be grouped are notified through the interface, information on the products corresponding to each of the plurality of group IDs corresponding to the plurality of notified customer IDs is sent to the store. obtained from control data,
Recording the obtained information on the plurality of products in the control data in association with the newly generated new group ID;
In the control data, grouping the plurality of store visitors by setting the group ID associated with the plurality of customer IDs of the plurality of store visitors who wish to be grouped as the new group ID,
By making a payment for information on the product corresponding to the new group ID, the product purchased by the grouped plurality of customers is paid for each group.
Store management method.